Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing them problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will ask for a detailed medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, however it can also be stressful. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family members or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a health professional can take several months to determine ADHD and that the process requires more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: A number of them are present before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one place, such as school, home and at work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders like bipolar or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional evaluations before making an assessment. This might include clinical interviews as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, as well as psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It is crucial to be 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood has been affected by your issues in various aspects of your life. In addition the person who is conducting your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to get a more complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask for permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their everyday life, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also review medical and family history and take into account other mental health problems. If a person has several of the 9 symptoms, their provider uses guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to assign a diagnosis: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type.
Inattention symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency to lose track of time or get side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type often fidget, move around frequently and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They tend to forget things easily and have trouble organizing their day-to-day activities, work or home. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it more difficult to determine ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. These professionals will review your symptoms and issues at school, work or home to see how much they interfere with your life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also review your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you have had these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. To be eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining the job.
During your examination the mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given a cognitive test that will check your working memory and executive functioning and also your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider finds that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the available medications and treatment options. Often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help with problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, but they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions as well as self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional stress, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or severe side effects.
adhd adults diagnosis (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is an efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications in isolation. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the individual, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication experienced a higher level of improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medication therapy and counseling can offer significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to manage their behavior and to change negative thoughts. This type of treatment can reduce symptoms of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, as well as comorbid mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Therapists can also concentrate on developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These methods can assist people to live an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly increase job satisfaction and performance. This can include changing the structure of their work to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
It is important to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is important to ask about their treatment approach and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who can't afford it.